that used the word for the ocean roiling. i never heard that term before. but this ocean has been roiling since we got here. >> reporter: and roiling waters and storm predictions were all the governor of north carolina needed to declare a state of emergency. >> people are telling us tonight, based on predictor models, that it's just going to come close to our coast, we've all got to be very sensitive to the fact that in a blink of an eye, it changes. >> reporter: the last big storm to hit north carolina, hurricane isabel in 2003, killed at least 16 and caused $3.4 billion in damage on its path up the eastern u.s. >> between the personnel, the vehicles, and also four warehouses fully stocked with blankets and food and water. the red cross is ready. >> reporter: while earl is stirring up a sense of urgency down below, it's also creating a sense of wonder from above. >> the strength of the storm looks just absolutely amazing. just unbelievable view of the planet. you have to wonder what's going on below those clouds. >> reporter: and, of course, the question is, where is earl going? we've go
